By DAVID NAGEL
GROWN men wiped tears and an amazing feeling swept Robert Booth Reserve after Hampton Park broke a two-year drought in the Casey Cardinia league with a 28-point win over ROC.
“No, not me, I’m too tough,” was coach John Holden’s humorous reply when asked whether he shed a tear or two after the win.
“I may have wiped a couple of tears away, but that’s it.”
Holden’s last game at the helm seemed to inspire his side who opened with a seven-goal first term to take a 35-point lead to quarter time. Importantly, the Redbacks retained that margin at half time, then fought tooth-and-nail in the second half to record a famous victory.
“Rod Blackburn was fantastic at centre-half-back and Mitch Hill did a great job on (Ryan) Hendy all day,” Holden said. “Matty Adair’s a good kid and he was terrific up forward and Nathan Allen is one of our best players … he played another great game.”
“Hopefully, the group all sticks together and they can grow in confidence. I know the club is putting a lot of time into finding the right coach, that’s a really important part of the club now moving forward.”
Glenn Rees was the hero up forward, slotting four crucial majors for the Redbacks, while Adair’s three goals were complemented by two apiece from Allen, Danny Cortese and skipper Sean Winsall.
CRANBOURNE celebrated champion full-forward Marc Holt’s 100th goal in style on Saturday with a confidence-boosting 84-point win over Doveton at Robinson Oval.
Holt’s 100th goal, kicked late in the third term, was the highlight of an impressive performance by the Eagles, who kicked their highest score for the season against any team other than Hampton Park.
Holt was superb, lining up on his conqueror from round nine, Daniel Zajac, the Eagles’ skipper capitalised on some brilliant work from his midfield to bag seven for the afternoon.
Michael Theodoridis kicked four, while Curtis Barker, Justin Shields and Glenn Osborne were other significant contributors, especially through an eight-goal blitz in the third term.
Shannon Henwood, Mitch Viney and Michael Laszczyk were best for the Doves. NARRE Warren coach Chris Toner wasted no time in sending a clear message to his troops after the Magpies completed a perfect home-and-away season with a 41-point win over Pakenham at Toomuc Reserve.
“Absolutely, we’re really pleased that we’ve been able to win 18 straight, we’ve never done it before, but realistically speaking, winning 18 straight and then not winning the premiership is not really acceptable,” Toner told the News after the match.
Pakenham did well to stop Narre’s free flowing style, trailing by one, 10 and 16 points at the first three intervals before the Magpies rammed home four goals early in the last.
Lee Boyle kicked four and Kerem Baskaya three for the Magpies while Dan Harders dominated the ruck. Dean Blake and Jacob Huisman were best for the Lions.
TOORADIN will have an extra spring in its step in the off-season after the Seagulls put behind them a season of woe to roll Berwick by seven points at Westernport Oval.
A late goal from Julian Suarez sealed a memorable win for the home-side, giving coach Tom Hallinan, Rohan Hyde and Lachlan Gillespie a magnificent farewell in their last games of senior footy.
Suarez finished with four, while Jake O’Donnell and Rhys Mills-Franklin slotted three each for the Seagulls who produced a stunning nine-goal third term. Hyde finished his career in style, and was included in the home-side’s best alongside O’Donnell and Michael Hobbs.
Paul Vanschilt and James Phillips kicked three each for the Wickers while Andrew Morozoff, Jason Kelly and Brad Fowler head to this week’s elimination final against Pakenham in good touch following solid contributions.
BEACONSFIELD locked in third place and a qualifying final against Cranbourne with a 19-point win over Keysborough.
Norm Walker Medal favourite Scott Meyer was once again a standout for the Eagles while Damien Johnston, Josh Dodsworth and Ben McGowan continued their fine run of form. Tyson King and Davor Rajic finished their seasons with three goals each for the Burra.
